Tufting machine



Aug. 30, 1932. F- OGDEN 1,874,588

TUFTING MACHINE Filed Sept. 22, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet l IN VE N TUR A TTORN E Y F. H. OGDEN TUFIING MACHINE Aug. 30, 1932.

Filed Sept. 22, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet llllllllllrlllllllllll Illlllll /A Mi ATTORNEY Aug. 30, 1932. H OGDEN 1,874,588

TUFTING MACHINE Filed Sept. 22, 1931 v 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 i 1 l v I I By a Ali/A ATTOR HEY F. H. OGDEN TUFTING MACHINE Aug. 30, 1932.

Filed Sept. 22 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet Y iM/ENTOR A TTORNE Y Patented Aug. 30, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE g.

FLOYD H. OGDEN, OF W ATERTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MEN TS, T0 PEPPERELL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF BIDDEFORD, MAINE, A COR- PORATIQN OF MASSACHUSETTS 1 rur'rme mourns This invention relates to machines for inserting tufts in a completed fabric, as dis-- tinguished from mechanism for introducing tufts in a fabric during the weaving operation, and pertains more particularly to a machinefor inserting tufts in a fabric in various relations to each other.

There is a pronounced demand for bedspreads ornamented with tufts secured to the fabric in spaced relation to each other in accordance with various designs. These bedspreads are known in the trade as Candlewick bedspreads and the tufts have been inserted "heretofore by hand, but the hand method of securing tufts to a bedspread is slow and expensive. I

The present invention, therefore, relates to a machine for inserting tufts in a bed spread or other sheet material, and which is so constructedthat the sheet material may be readily manipulated to introduce the tufts in any desired relation to each other to produce different designs.

One important feature of the present invention resides in means for supporting the portion of the fabric that is to receive a tuft in a folded condition and in mechanism for inserting the tuft producing yarn through the folded fabric so that the yarn projects from the opposite sides of the fold in such a "manner that when the fabric is straightened" out a U-shaped tuft is formed bound to the fabric.

Another important feature of the invention resides in a yarn inserting needle, and in fabric feeding mechanism operable in timed relation with the needle to advance the fabric step by step relative to the fabric folding means to receive the tufts.

A further feature resides in means for readily releasing the fabric from the feed means so that the fabric may be moved freely in different directions to insert the tufts in different portions of the fabric.

A further feature resides in cutters operable to cut the yarn at each side of the fold in spaced relation to the fabric. I

A still further feature resides in a reciprocating needle operable to carry the tuft producing yarn in a doubled condition thr'ough the folded fabric, and in a looper for bold ing the doubled yarn while the needle is retr'acted, and a further feature resides in;

slack producing means for drawing the yarn forward through the eye of the needle from a source of supply.

Other features of theinvention and novel combination of parts in addition to the above will be hereinafter described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one good,practical form of the invention.

In the drawings Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a fabric tufting machine constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a rear elevation of the machine of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an end view of the left hand end of the machine of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4. is a sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2 and shows means for producing slack in the tuft forming yarn;

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view through the presser foot and associated parts showing the presser footlowered; p f Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the presser Fig. 7 is an end'view of'the right hand end of the machine of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8-is a vertical sectional view through the bridge bar, the view. being taken longitudinally of the machine;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view through a folded piece of fabric having the tuft forming yarns inserted through the fold. 1

Fig. 10 is a sectional view through a piece of fabric showing the loop formation of the tufts produced by straightening out the fabric of Fig. 9; and.

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 10,- the tufts being compressed or flattened out against the fabric.

In the embodiment of the fabric .tufting machine illustrated in the drawings, most of the operating parts are mounted upon the base plate 10 having the upstanding back plate or rear wall 11, and the base plate 10 is shown as supported in a horizontal position by the stand or upright 12.

Upon the base plate 10 is mounted for back and forth movement in a horizontal direction longitudinally of the machine, the yarn insertin needle 13i1carried by the reciprocating s left 14, w ich is shown as slidably mounted in the lugs 15 provided upon the base plate 10, and at the rear end of the shaft 14 is provided an enlargement or head 16.

Reciprocating movement is imparted to the needle supportin shaft 14 in the construction shown from t e transversely extending or crank shaft 17 disposed at the right hand end of the machine of Fig. 1. This shaft is journale-d in a bearing supported by the rear wall 11, and a second bearing-supported by the bracket 18 mounted upon the base plate 10. The offset portion 19 of the crank shaft 17 is operatively connected to the head 16 of the needle supporting shaft by the crank lever 20,

' has the downwardly extending the arrangement-being such that rotation of the crank back and forth to insert yarn forming tufts in the folded portion of the fabric F in a manner to be described.

Various means may be provided for rotating the shaft 17 but it is important that the rotation of this shaft be at all times under the immediate control of the machine operator so that the machine may be quickly brought to rest with the needle in the retracted position.

The driving mechanism shown for the shaft 17 is or may be of well known construction and comprises the fly wheel 21 and pulley 22, which are loosely mounted upon'the shaft 17 and the pulley and fly wheel may be continuously rotated by the driving belt 23. Rotative movement is imparted from the fly wheel 21 to the shaft 17 by clutch means including the relatively movable parts 24, 25, one of which has the downwardly extending arm 26 adapted to be secured by the screw 27 in the desired position of adjustment while the other arm 28, to the lower end of which is connected the link 29.

The arrangement is such that the angular position of the clutch member with respect to the clutch member 24 is controlled by the rocking lever 30,-which may be pivotally secured at 31 to a downwardly extending portion of the base plate 10, and-the rocking movement of this lever. is controlled by the downwardly extending rod 32, the lower end of which is attached to a foot treadle, not shown. The arrangement is such that the parts just described are normally held by spring means in a position to permit the power driven fly wheel and pulley to rotate freely upon the shaft 17, and driving movement is imparted to. the shaft 17 from the fly wheel 21 by depressing the foot tread 1e, just mentioned, so as to exert a downward pull on the rod 32. This will rock the slotted end ortion of the lever upwardly, as indicated E the arrow, and operate the clutch element 25 to effect a driving'engagement between the shaft 17 will move the needle 13,

fly wheel and shaft 17. As soon as the foot treadle is released the lever 30 will rock in the opposite direction to release the shaft 17 from the fly wheel and at the same time actuate mechanism of ,well known construction to stop the rotation 'of the shaft 17 with the needle in its retracted position. a The needle 13, as above stated, serves to insert a tuft forming yarn through a folded portion of the fabric F, which fabric may conlstitute a bed spread or other sheet mater1a e The fabric F, in the construction shown, or a portion thereof, which is to be presented to the tuft forming mechanism, rests upon the work supporting plate 33, which is shown as positioned in the plane of the base plate 10 and in spaced relation to an end of this plate. A U-shaped bracket 34 is provided inthe present case to support the work supporting plate 33 from the base plate 10,-one end of this bracket being rigidly secured. to the under face of the base plate 10 and the opposite end of the bracket has a flattened face to which the base plate 33 is secured. The ar- 'rangement is such that the fabric F is fed over the work supporting plate 33 in the direction indicated by the arrows and may accumulate in a folded condition in the U-shaped portion of the bracket 34, as clearly shown in igs. 1 and 2. v y

- The desired, fold is produced in the portion of the fabric to receive a tuft, in the construction shown, by providing the bridge plate 35, which extends a short distance above the upper face of the work supporting plate 33, and since it may be desirable to raise or lower the bridge plate 35, from time to time, the plate 35 is shown as rigidly secured to the upper end of a post 36 mounted in a hole in the bracket 34 for vertical sliding movement. This post is locked inthe desired position of adjustment by tightening the set screw 37 see Fig. 5.

It is desirable to provide means for firmly holding the portion of the fabric F to receive a tuft in a folded condition over the,

bridge member 35, and this is accomplished in the construction shown by providing a presser foot 38 having the-elongated clearance opening 39 adapted to receive the bridge member 35 when the resser foot is lowered over the bridge mem er. The presser foot 38 is mounted for vertical. sliding movement and'to this end is provided with the upwardly extending post or slide 40, which is slidably supported by the rear wall 11. In the construction shown the post 40 is slidably mounted within a slideway or housing formed by providing upon the front face of the wall 11 the spaced flanges 41 to which the cover plate-42 is rigidly secured by bolts 43. The arrangement is'such that when the presser foot is elevated, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 8, the fabric F may be fed fornewness plate 33, so as to hold the fabric in a taut folded condition over the bridge member 35, as clearly shown in Fig. 8.

While the portion of the fabric F folded over the bridge member 35 is held firmly clamped in the manner just pointed out, the needle 13 is inserted to carry the tuft forming yarn a in a folded condition through both portions of the folded fabric. as shown in Fig. 8. A clearance space or notch 44 is provided in the bridge member to clear the needle 13 as it passes through the fabric, and needle clearance openings 44 are formed at the opposite sides of the presser foot 38, as shown in Fig. 6.

While the needle 13 is projected through the fabric a -looper or loop retainer is actuated to hold the yarn so that it will not be withdrawn from, the fabric when the needle is retracted. This looper in the construction shown comprises a curved needle 45 rigidly secured to the lower end of the rocking lever 46, which 'is supported and operated in a manner to be described.

In accordance with the present invention a tuft producing yarn a, preferably consisting of several strands. is inserted through the looped portion of the fabric F in such a manner that portions of the yarn project from the op osite sides of the folded fabric. as shown in Fig. 8. The arrangement is such that when the yarn a is sheared in spaced relation to each side of the fabric foldit will present the appearance clearly shown in Fig. 9 and as a result when the fabric F is straightened out, as shown in Fig. 10, the tuft forming yarn will be bent from the straightened condition of Fig. 9 to the looped condition of Fig. 10. in which the loop of the yarn is firmlv secured to the portion of the fabric about which it is bent.

The shearing of the tuft forming yarn a is preferablv eflected as soon as the needle 13 is withdrawn from the fabric and while the looper 45 is engaged with the looped portion of the yarn, as shown in Fig. 8. While various forms of-shearing means. may be provided excellent results are secured by providing the fixed shearing blades 47 which are supported by means to be described slightly above the path of the needle as it penetrates the fabric and by providing upon the presser foot 38 below the pat-lrof the needle 13 the shearing blades 48, which may be secured to the presser foot by the screws 49. The arrangement is such that when the presser foot is elevated towards its dotted line position of Fig. 8,the folded yarn a will be sheared at the opposite sides of the bridge member 35 in spaced relation to the fold of the fabric.

It is important to provide means for pulling the yarn a forward through the eye of the needle 13 each time the needle is retracted to thereby advance from the source of yarn supply, not shown, suflicient yarn to produce the next tuft. This is accomplished in the construction shown by providing the slack producing rod 50 which is rigidly secured to andextends laterally from the lower end of the rocking lever 51 that is pivotally supported by the shaft 52 mounted at the rear of the wall 11 and the lever 51 is operated periodically in a manner to be described. The arrangement is such that the slack producing rod 50 normally occupies the dotted line position of Fig. 8, but is momentarily depressed after the needle 13 has been retracted to its full line position of Fig. 8. This serves to pull suflicient yarn forward through the eye of the needle toform a loop in the yarn a about the needle eye on the next insertion of the needle in the fabric. As a result of this arrangement the tuft forming yarn a inserted through the fabric is doubled, as clearly shown in Fig. 8, and as a result presents a loop adapted to be engaged by the looper 45 to hold the yarn while the needle 13 is being retracted.

It is desirable to maintain tension upon the yarn a while the needle 13 is being inserted through the fabric and this is accomplished by providin the yarn tensioning device, best shown in ig. 1, as carried by the reciprocating head 16, and which consists of the lower plate 53 and upper plate 54 mounted upon the post 55 secured to the head 16. The upper plate 54 is continuously urged toward the lower plate by the coiled spring 56. It is desirable to relieve the tension upon the yarn a while this yarn is being acted upon by the slack producing rod 50. This is accomplished by providing the blade 57,

which is supported from the rear wall 11, by the bracket 58, the arrangement being such that whenthe needle is retracted, as shown in Fig. 1, the blade 57 will pass between the yarn tensioning plates 53 and 54 to separate them and relieve the tension upon the yarn so that the yarn may be pulled through the eye of the needle, but as the needle is moved towards the fabric the tensioning device just mentioned will be moved away from the blade 57 whereupon the plates 53 and 54 will act upon'the yarn a tensioning the same.

Having described the manner in which the portion of the fabric F to be presented with a tuft is held in a folded condition during the tuft inserting operation and the means for inserting the tuft and shearing the same in spaced relation. to -the opposite sides of the folded fabric, the means for periodically operating the presser foot38, looper 45 and rear end ofyvhich is provided with a laterally slack producing rod 50 will now be described.

The parts just mentioned are operated in the construction shown from the upper shaft 59, shown in Fig. 2, as supported back of the rear wall 11 and rotatably supported by the flanges and 61 provided at the rear of this back plate. The shaft 59 is driven from the transverselyextending crank shaft 17 by the cooperating spiral gears 62 and 63, the arrangement being such that rotative movement is imparted directly from the shaft 17 to the shaft 59.

In the construction shown the presser foot 38 is continuously urged in a. downward direction by the fiat spring 64, one end of which is firmly secured to the upper face of the back plate 11 .by the screw 65 and the opposite end of this spring rests upon a laterally extending pin 66 that projects from the front face of the post 40 of the presser foot. The tension of the spring 64 may be varied by adjusting the spring engaging plate 67. The presser foot 38 is periodically raised in the construction shown by providing upon the rotating shaft 59 the cam 68 adapted to periodical ly engage the horizontally extending portion of a-brackt 69 secured to the upper portion of the post 40, the arrangement being such that the presser foot will be raised once during each complete revolution of the shaft 59.

The desired rocking movement is imparted to the lever 51 which carries the slack producing rod 50 by the cam 70, one face of which is provided with a cam groove, as indicated at 71 in Fig. 4, and receives the pin or roller 72 secured to the upper portion of the lever 51 and serves to impart the desired rocking movement to this lever.

The looper operating lever 46, in the con struction shown, is supported for rocking movement by the transversely extending shaft 73 which is supported in spaced relation to the back plate 11 by the frontwardly extending bars 7 4, and the desired rocking movement 7 is imparted to the lever 46 by the link 75, the

extending pin or roller that extends into the cam groove 76 formed in a face of the cam 77 rigidly secured to the operating shaft 59.

The fixed knives 47 above mentioned are supported in the desired position of adjustment by the brackets 78 having the downwardly extending ends 79 to' which the knives 47 are adjustably secured by the bolts 80, each knife being provided with a slotted or bifurcated portion through which the locking bolt 80 extends. The right hand bracket 78, as shown in Fig. 1, is adjustably secured by the screws shown to a lateral extension formed upon a frontwardly extending rib 81 provided upon the back plate 11. The left handbracket 78, in the construction shown, is ad1ustably bolted to the end plate 82 that extends frontwardly from the back plate. One of the frontwardly extending braces 74 may rest upon the upper end of the rib 81 while the other brace 74 rests upon the upper edge of the end plate 82, as will be apparent from Fig. 1.

It is desirable to provide guide means for holding the fabric F in close proximity to the work supportin plate as the fabric is advanced towards t e bridge member 35,'and the means shown to this end comprises the guide plate 83 which has a laterally extending arm at its upper end that is secured by a bolt 84 to the end plate 82, and as the guide plate 83 extends downwardly it is bent inwardly towards the presser foot 38 and has the spaced bifurcated projections 85 at its lower end. This lower end in the construction shown is substantially C-shaped and is provided with the plate 86 formed of celluloid or other transparent .material, which will enable the machine operator to examine the work through the transparent plate 86 as it is fed toward the tuft inserting position.

It will be apparent from Fig. 8 that each time a tuftforming yarn is severed adjacent the looper 45 a yarn cuttin will be produced, and if these cuttings are a lowed to accumulate upon. the working parts at the tuft inserting position they may interfere with the proper operation of the machine. It is, therefore, contemplated that air suction -means, not shown, be provided at the rear of v the tuft inserting posltion to carry off these yarn cuttings, or that other provision'be made for disposing of these cuttings.

The mechanism so far described serves to quickly insert the yarn a in a doubled condi-. tion, as shown in Fig. ,8, through the looped portions of the fabric, whereupon the tuft forming yarn is held b the looper 45 while the needle 13 is with rawn. The portions of the yarn projecting'from the opposite sides of the fabric fold are then cut in spaced relation to the fold, so as to provide the sheared yarn loop or tuft upon straighteningout the fabric, as shown in Fig. 10. These tufts may be inserted in an desired portion of the bed s read or fabric by shifting the fabric relative to the tuft inserting position. It is frequently desirable, however. to insert the tufts in a row, as indicated, in Fig. '1, and so that the tufts are evenly spaced from each other. In order to accomplish this power means is provided to advance the fabric F step by step over the work supporting plate 33 in the direction indicated by the arrows.

This feeding means in the construction shown, comprises an upper roller 87 which is mounted below the base plate' 10 and is rotatably supported by the downwardly extending portions 88 of the base plate- The roller 87- is preferably covered with corrugated rubber or other yielding material adapted to frictionally engage the fabric. This roller is periodically driven from the crank shaft 17 by mechanism to be described, and below the roller 87 is mounted a cooperating roller 89 adapted to hold the fabric firmly against the power driven roller 87. The lower roller 89 is preferably mounted for movement towards and from'the driving roller 87. This is accomplished in the construction shown by rotatably securing the roller 89 to the rocking arm 90 pivotally supported at 91 The arrangement is such that the roller 89 is continuously urged towards the roller 87 by a spring 92, one end of which is anchored at 93 tothe bracket 34. The other end of this spring is secured to the downwardly extending arm 94, which arm is rigidly secured to the roller supporting lever 90. Asa result of the feeding means just described the periodic rotation of the upper roller 87 will serve to advance the fabric F step by step over the bridge member 35 to cause the tufts inserted in the fabric to be evenly spaced from each other. It is frequently desirable to release the fabric from the driving rollers 87 89 so that the fabric may be shifted upon the work supporting table 33 to insert one or more tufts in a different portion of the fabric. In order to provide for this condition the lever 90 that supports the lower roller 89 is provided with the downwardly extending rod 95, the lower end of which is connected to a foot treadle not shown, and as a result of this construction the lower roller 89 may be depressed to release the fabric by stepping on the foot treadle.

As above stated, the fabric feeding roller 87 is, rotated intermittently and the means shown for imparting the desired rotation to this roller comprises the lower -shaft 96.dis posed at the rear of the back plate 11 and journaled in the flanges '60, 61. The shaft 96 is provided near the ,tuft inserting end of the machine with the spiral gear 97 which meshes with and drives a similar gear 98, that is rigidly secured to the shaft-99, which r0- tatably supports and drives the roller 87.

' The lower shaft 96 is intermittently rotated from the upper shaft 59 through pawl and ratchet mechanism comprising a ratchet wheel 100 rigidly secured to the lower shaft 96 adjacent the power shaft 17 and cooperating with the ratchet wheel 100 is the spring operated pawl 101. This pawl is pivotally mounted upon 8 an oscillating carrier 102 which is supported by the shaft 96 for rocking movement, as best shown in Fig. 7. The

. desired rocking movement is imparted to the carrier 102 from the upper shaft 59 by the link or crank rod 103, the lower end of which is pivotally secured at 104 to the carrier, and the upper end of this link is journaled upon the stud or eccentric pin 105, which is carried by the slotted head 106 rigidly secured to an end of the upper shaft 59. The arrangement is such that the stud 105 is supported within the slot 107 for sliding adjustment towards and from the axis of the shaft 59 and may be adjusted as desired by rotating the adjusting screw 108. The arrangefeed the fabric step by step over the bridge member 35, but perform the additional function of compressing or flattening out the tufts a as shown in F ig.. 11, wherein it will be noted that the crushing action of the rollers upon the tufts tends to spread the upwardly projecting ends of the tufts so as to produce a riveting effect that serves to secure the tufts firmly in the fabric, as clearly shown inFig. 11. The design or pattern effect to be-produced upon the fabric F is preferably stamped or indicated thereupon before the fabric is presented to the tufting machine, so as to indicate to the machine operator the desired location of each tuft.

After one row of tufts has been formed lengthwise of the fabric, as shown in Fig. 1, the fabric may be shifted laterally in the machine, to position it to receive the next row of tufts. Should it be desired to form two or more rows of tufts simultaneously, the tufting machine ofthe present invention may be provided with a plurality of needles 13 and cooperating mechanism to effect the simultaneous insertion of two or more tufts each time the needles are inserted.

While in the construction shown the fabric F is advanced over the work supportin plate 33 and bridge member 35 towards 1516 reciprocating needle 13, it may be desirable in some constructions to advance the fabric at right angles to the direction just mentioned,

a tuftand hold the same folded, a needle for carrying a tuft forming yarn through both portions of the folded fabric as the needle 'is inserted so that the yarn projects from the opposite sidesof the fold, and means operable to engage the forward portion of the inserted yarn and hold it while the needle is being withdrawn. 7

2. A fabric tufting machine, comprising 7 yarnprojects from each side in combination, means constructed to fold the portion of the fabric that is to receive a tuft and hold the same folded, means for inserting a tuft forming yarn in a'doubledv condition through both portions of the folded fabric'so that the yarn the opposite sides of the fol and means for shearing the yarn in spaced relation to the fold.

3'. A fabric tuftin machine, comprising in combination, a brid e member, means for holding the portion of the fabric that is to receive a tuft in a folded condition over the bridge member, a needle threaded with a tuft forming yarn extending from a source of supply through the eye of the needle, and means for operating the needle to insert it and carry the yarn through the fold of the fabric as the needle is inserted so that the of the fold in a manner to form a tuft roducing. loop when the fold is straightene out.

4. A fabric tuftin machine, comprising in combination, a bri e member, means for holding the portion 0 the fabric that is to receive a tuft in afolded condition over the bridge member, a needle threaded with a tuft forming yarn extending from a source of supply through the eye of the needle, and means for operating the needle to insert it and the yarn it carries through both portions of the folded fabric at a short distance from the line of. fold so that the yarn pro- 'ectsfr0m each side of the fold in a manner to form a'tuft producing loop when the tuft is straightened out. v

5. A'fabrie tufting machine, comprising in combination, a bridge member, means for holding the portion of the fabric that is to 40 receive a tuft in a folded condition over the bridge member, tuft forming yarn, and means for operating the needle to insert the yarn in a doubled condition through the fold of the fabric so that the doubled yarn projects from each side of the folded fabric far enough to form tuft producing strands at each side of the fold, and means for holding the inserted yarn while the needle is being withdrawn so from the fabric.

6. A fabric tufting machine, comprising i in combination, a bridge member, means for holding the portion of the fabric that is to -.receive a tuft in a folded condition over the bridge member, a needle threaded with a tuft forming yarn, means for operating the needle to insert the yarn through the fold of the fabric so that it projects-fromthe opposite sides of the fold, and cutting-mecha- 00 nism for severing the yarn between the withdrawn needle and the fold at some distance .from the fold.

7. A fabric tufting machine,comprising in combination, a bridge-member, means for 63 holding the portion of the fabric that is to a needle threaded' with a (proj ects from receive a tuft in a folded condition over the bridge member, means for inserting a yarn through the fold of the fabric so that it projects from the opposite sides of the fold, and cutters mounted at the opposite sides of the bridge member and operable to sever the projecting yarn at a predetermined distance from each side of the fold.

' 8. A fabric tufting machine, comprising in combination, a short bridge member, a hollow presser foot mounted for movement downward over the bridge member and adapted to fold the portion of the fabric that is to receive a tuft over the bridge memher, a needle mounted for movement transversely of the bridge member and threaded with tuft forming yarn extending from a source of supply through the eye of the needle, and means for actuating the needle to insert the yarn through the fold of the fabric as the needle is inserted so that it projects from the opposite sides of the folds 9. A fabric tufting machine, comprising in combination, a short bridge member, a hollow presser foot mounted for movement downward over the bridge member and adapted to fold the portion of the fabric that is to receive a tuft over the bridge member, a needle mounted for movement transversely of the bridge member and threaded with tuft forming yarn, means for actuating the needle to insert the yarn through the fold, of the fabric so that it projects from the opposite sides of the fold, and cutters upon the presser foot and operable to sever the yarn in spaced relation to each side of said fold.

' 10. A fabric tufting machine for securing a series of tufts to a fabric, comprising in combination, a bridge member, reciprocating means for forcing the portion of the fabric that is to receive a tuft downward over the bridge member to fold it over said member, a reciprocating needle for insertin a yarn through the fold of the fabric as t e needle is inserted so that the yarn projects from no the Opposite sides of the fold, and feed means i operable intermittently in timed relation with the needle movement to feed the fabric step by step over the bridge member to receive successive tufts.

11. A fabric-tufting machine for securing a series of tufts to a. fabric, comprising in combination, a bridge member, reciprocating means for forcing the portion of the fabric that is to receive a tuft downward over the bridge member to foldit over said member, a reciprocating needle for inserting a yarn through the fold of the fabric so as to roject from the opposite sides of the fold, eedv means operable intermittently in timed relation with the needle movement to feed the fabric step by step over the bridge member to receive successive tufts, and adjustable means .for varying the intermittent feeding movement, L

12. A fabric tufting machine, comprising in combination, a base plate provided with power driven mechanism, a work supporting plate mounted in spaced relation to the base plate for the passage of the fabric between said plates, a bridge member carried by the work supporting plate, reciprocated means for folding the portion of the fabric to receive a tuft over the bridge member, and a needle for inserting a yarn through the folded portion of the fabric so that it projects from the opposite sides of the fold.

13. A fabric tufting machine, comprising in combination, a work support, a bridge member adjustably mounted thereupon, means for folding the portion of the fabric to receive a tuft about the bridge member, a needle operated to insert a tuft forming yarn through said fold so that it projects from the opposite sides of the fold, and means for p eygring the yarn in spaced relation to the 14. A fabric tufting machine, comprising in combination, means constructed to fold the portion of the fabric that is to receive a tuft and hold the same folded, a reciprocating needle for inserting a tuft forming yarn through the fold of the fabric so that the yarn extends from the opposite sides of the fold, means for holding the forward portion of thevyarn while the needle is being withdrawn from the fabric, means for forming slack in the yarn between the needle and fabric, and means for severing the yarn in spaced relation to the fold.

15. A fabric tufting machine, comprising in combination, means adaptedto fold the portion of the fabric that is to receive a tuft and hold the same folded, a reciprocating needle for inserting a tuft forming yarn through the fold of the fabric so that the yarn extends from the opposite sides of the fold, and a yarn tension device mounted to reciprocate with the needle.

16. A fabric tufting machine, comprising in combination, means adapted to fold the portion of the fabric that is to receive a tuft and hold the same folded, a reciprocating needle for inserting a tuft forming yarn through the fold of the fabric so that the yarn extends from the opposite sides of the fold, and mechanism for drawing yarn forward through the eye of the retracted needle to supply yarn for the next tuft.

' 17. A fabric tufting machine, comprising in combination, means for folding the portion of the fabric that is to receive a tuft and for holding the same folded, a reciprocating needle for inserting a tuft forming yarn through the fold of the fabric so that the yarn extends from the opposite sides of the fold, a yarn tension device mounted to reciprocate with the needle, and means for relieving the tensionupon the yarn while the needle is retracted.

18. A fabric tufting machine, comprising in combination, means for folding the portion of the fabric that is to receive a tuft and for holding the same folded, a reciprocating needle for inserting a tuft forming yarn through the fold of the fabric so that the yarn extends from the opposite sides of the fold, a yarn tension device mounted to reciprocate with the needle, mechanism for drawing yarn forward through the eye of the retracted needle to supply yarn for the next tuft, and means for relieving the tension upon the yarn during the yarn drawing operation of said mechanism.

19. A fabric tufting machine, comprising in combination, means adapted to fold the portion of the fabric that is to receive a tuft and hold the same folded, means for inserting a tuft forming yarn through both portions of the folded fabric so that the yarn projects from the opposite sides of the fold, power driven rollers for feeding the fabric relative to said folding means, and means for releasing the fabric from the action of said rollers to permit manual movement of the fabric relative to the folding means.

20. A fabric tufting machine, comprising in combination, means adapted to fold the portion of the fabric that is to receive a tuft and hold the same folded, means for inserting a tuft forming yarn through both portions of the folded fabric so that the yarn projects from the opposite sides of the fold, power driven rollers for feeding the fabric relative to said folding means, and foot con trolled means for relieving the fabric from the action of said rollers to permit free movement of the fabric relative to the folding means.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

FLOYD H. OGDEN. 

